Wilton surgeon urges blood donations

Published
8:00 pm EDT, Wednesday, July 30, 2008

NORWALK -- Dr. Peter Dodds of Wilton, chairman of the Department of Surgery at Norwalk Hospital, joined with officials from the American Red Cross and several Connecticut Mayors in urging the public to donate blood. The American Red Cross announced a two-week statewide urgent appeal for blood donors beginning on July 28.

During an American Red Cross awareness event on July 29 a the Fairfield County Donor Center in Norwalk, Dr. Dodds said that blood is needed by Connecticut hospitals to treat a variety of life-threatening conditions, including chronic anemia, cancer, premature births, sever burns, trauma and many others.

According to Dr. Dodds, although Norwalk Hospital has managed thus far, "our inventory, like that of other others in the state, is low and there is a critical need for people to donate blood." The shortfall in current blood inventories is affecting hospitals throughout the state, he added, explaining that in the summer many of the regular donors are away.

The Wilton surgeon joined with public officials to ask individuals to donate blood with the American Red Corss to assure that blood is there when needed. All blood types are needed, he added.

The goal for the two-week statewide appeal for blood donors is 6,500 units which would meet hospital demand and help replenish the supply of potentially life-saving blood products. Most healthy people who are a least 17 years of age and weigh 110 pounds or more are eligible to donate blood.

For information about times and locations of blood drives, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit bloodct.org.s to assure that blood is there when needed. All blood types are needed, he added.

The goal for the two-week statewide appeal for blood donors is 6,500 units which would meet hospital demand and help replenish the supply of potentially life-saving blood products. Most healthy people who are a least 17 years of age and weigh 110 pounds or more are eligible to donate blood.